NC labor ledger.

By Dolores Quesenberry
Director of Marketing
With summer approaching and fair
season just around the corner, labor
inspectors with the Elevator and
Amusement Device Bureau are gearing
up for another busy season inspecting
rides at amusement and permanent
parks throughout North Carolina.
Although the labor department is
responsible for regulating only the
mechanical safety of rides, it also
focuses on one of the biggest causes
of park injuries— human error.
“ We can’t turn our heads and
ignore the problem of human error
simply because we are not responsible
for regulating patrons and operators,”
said Jonathan Brooks, bureau chief
for the Elevator and Amusement
Device Bureau. “ That’s not how we
operate.”
Labor officials kicked off a rider
safety program in 2004 that focused
on ride operators and patrons after a Banzai ride operator was
killed when he accidentally walked into the path of one of its
swinging pendulums.
“ Our rider safety program was created to raise awareness
about some common mistakes we’ve observed over the years
that patrons and ride operators make while visiting local
fairs,” Brooks said. “ A lot of the accidents involve kids, so we
are trying to educate their parents too.”
Little research about human error has been conducted in the
amusement ride industry. However, industry experts say the
rate of incidence because of driver or operator error is as high
as the automobile and aviation industries, where 80 percent of
accidents are related to driver or operator behavior.
Two researchers in Canada recently
published a two- part study focusing
on human error in the amusement ride
industry. The study, called “ Rider
Responsibility and Amusement Ride
Accidents: An Observational and
Consensus Study of Rider
Behaviours,” was conducted by Dr.
Kathryn Woodcock and Janet Tsao,
researchers from the School of
Occupational and Public Health at
Ryerson University in Canada.
The study found that parents play a
big role in child safety at amusement
parks. The study suggests that parents
should set and enforce consequences,
regardless of whether the park or car-nival
enforces its own rules, to ensure
that children know unsafe behavior
around thrill rides is not tolerated.
Because of liability and other
concerns, some states are turning the
focus to rider responsibility. Ohio, for
example, has implemented a Rider
Responsibility Law. Proponents
believe the law serves as a deterrent to dangerous horseplay
by patrons, the major cause of amusement ride accidents. In
the last four years, officials have determined that more than 80
percent of amusement ride injuries in Ohio have been caused
by human error or horseplay unrelated to the condition or
operation of the ride.
Labor officials are expanding the rider safety program in
North Carolina this summer to include permanent parks.
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry will kick off a safety day
on June 10 at Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro.
Water park safety tips will be handed out to more than 3,000
Girl Scouts. Safety tips also will be distributed at toll plazas to
each car or bus entering the water park.
NC Labor
NCDOL Focuses on Improved Park Safety
Ride Safety Initiative Expands to Permanent Parks
LEDGER May/ June 2006
Do not try dangerous stunts.
No running or horseplay around pool area.
Never stand up in a tube.
Listen to lifeguards and ride operators.
Be sure you are in a safe position before
starting down any slide.
Be aware of safety signs and pay attention
to height requirements.
Use swim diapers or rubber pants for
diaper- age children.
Shower before using any water facilities.
Do not use public pools and water parks if
you have been sick within two weeks.
Parents, remember that you are responsible
for your child’s supervision.
Water Wise Safety Tips
continued on page 4
Recent partnerships between the N. C. Department of Labor and
private construction companies have led to unprecedented safety
levels at major construction sites throughout the state.
Agreements signed by the labor department and major companies
have allowed government and company officials to work together to
eliminate accidents at these large construction sites.
Starting with the Raleigh Convention Center agreement in 2005,
the labor department has since seen a surge in interest expressed by
other companies that want to participate in the safety agreements.
Inside this edition:
Heat Stress Deaths Concern Labor Officials page 3
Deadly Mistakes page 4
Water Park Helps Kick Off New Program page 5
Top 10 Violations page 5
NCDOL Bulletin Board page 6
2
From
Commissioner
Cherie Berry
Cherie Berry
Commissioner
Editor .......................................... Heather Crews
Layout and Design ............................ Jeff Wilson
Publications Bureau Chief ............ Mike Daniels
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699- 1101
1- 800- 625- 2267 • www. nclabor. com
Gaining Ground in North Carolina
You’ve read in previous NC Labor Ledger issues about
the N. C. Department of Labor forging safety and health
partnerships with construction contractors as they build
major projects.
Skanska/ Barnhill Contracting signed the first ever agreement
after it won the contract to build the Raleigh Convention
Center. Whiting- Turner Contracting Co. also formed a part-nership
with the labor department when it built the new Dell
Inc. computer manufacturing center in Forsyth County.
In May, we signed two more safety and health partnerships
with two construction companies. Verna and Associates Inc.
is building a multi- story condominium complex in downtown
Charlotte, and Crowder Construction Co. is building an
addition to a sewer treatment plant in Wilmington. Both
projects will employ hundreds of workers.
The goal of the partnerships is to reduce injury and illness
rates, with each member of the partnership doing its part to
accomplish the goal. The labor department provides free
training, reviews safety programs and conducts quarterly
inspections. The companies develop strong safety and health
programs, do frequent job site inspections, and promptly
respond to hazards. Subcontractors working on the sites are
also a part of the agreement.
The partnerships underscore that these construction
companies are going above and beyond the regulatory require-ments
to ensure the safety and health of their employees. The
partnerships provide one of the best examples of business and
government working together, and the results have been great.
Despite the massive scope of the projects, we have not
had one lost workday to injury. That level of work safety for
projects of that size is unheard of.
We look forward to forming more partnerships with other
businesses in the future.
Otis Crowder ( left) and Dane Horrell ( right) of Crowder Construction Co. stand
with state Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry at a May 23 ceremony to celebrate the
formal signing of a partnership between the construction company and the N. C.
Department of Labor. Crowder Construction will employ about 200 workers as it
builds an addition to a sewer treatment plant in Wilmington.
Verna and Associates Inc. presi-dent
Pete Verna ( left), Charlotte
Mayor Pat McCrory, and Labor
Commissioner Cherie Berry
shovel ceremonial dirt at the
official groundbreaking ceremony
of The Park Condominiums in
downtown Charlotte. The N. C.
Department of Labor and Verna
and Associates signed a safety
and health partnership for the
duration of the project to help
reduce injuries at the site.
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
At least 10 workers have died in the last five years from
heat stress in North Carolina, including four last year.
The statistics concern officials from the N. C. Department
of Labor, and as the summer heat approaches, the department
is urging employers to take extra precautions to make sure
their workers are protected.
“ Workers who are out in the
heat and sun face the constant
danger of heat stress during
our summer months,” said
Regina Luginbuhl, bureau
chief of the NCDOL
Agricultural Safety and
Health Bureau. “ Knowing
the duress signs can save a
worker’s life.”
Farm workers are the first
who come to mind when there is talk
about the dangers of hot summer work, but
construction workers and manufacturing
workers are also at risk. Indeed, three con-struction
workers died in the past five years
after working in hot temperatures. Medical
records indicate they probably died from
heat stress.
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
are the most serious disorders associated with heat stress
and can be deadly if not treated properly. The following
information will help you identify heat- related illnesses:
Heat cramps are painful— sometimes severe— cramps of
the muscles while working. They usually occur in the arms,
legs or stomach, and often occur after work is completed
and the employee is relaxing at home.
Symptoms: Cramps and normal to slightly higher body
temperature, hot and moist skin, and profuse sweating.
Treatment: Move to a shaded area, drink lightly salted liquids,
and wear loose clothing. Seek medical attention if the
condition does not improve.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s heat- control
mechanism is overactive but has not broken down
completely.
Symptoms: Heavy sweating; intense thirst; cool, moist
skin; weak and rapid pulse; low to normal blood pressure;
fatigue, weakness or loss of coordination; impaired judgment
or fainting; tingling in hands or feet; headache; loss of
appetite, nausea or vomiting.
Treatment: Move to the shade, and remove or loosen
shoes and clothing. Cool the victim as fast as possible, pouring
water on the victim if necessary. Elevate the victim’s legs
and massage limbs. Drink water with salt. Call medical
personnel.
Heat stroke occurs when the body depletes its salt and
water supply, sweating stops and
heat loss by evaporation of sweat
is blocked. Heat stroke is life
threatening and has a high death
rate.
Symptoms: High body temperature,
usually over 103 degrees Fahrenheit;
absence of sweating; hot, red or flushed dry
skin; strong and rapid pulse that may become
weak and rapid as the worker’s condition worsens;
rapid and deep breathing followed by shallow
breathing; rapid unconsciousness and convulsions.
Treatment: Immediate medical attention is necessary.
While waiting for medical personnel, move the worker to
a cool area and remove as much clothing as possible.
Lower the body temperature with a cool bath or cold
compresses if a bath is not available. Do not give liquids to
unconscious victims.
Heat Stress Prevention Tips
Know symptoms of heat- related illnesses; monitor
yourself and co- workers.
Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
Use cooling fans or air- conditioning, and rest regularly.
Drink lots of water, about 1 cup every 15 minutes.
Wear lightweight, light colored, loose- fitting clothes.
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks or heavy meals.
A poster detailing the signs of heat stress— and what to do
if a worker shows signs of a heat- related illnesses— is located
on the NCDOL Web site, www. nclabor. com, under
Publications.
3
Heat Stress Deaths Concern Labor Officials
Know someone who would enjoy
a FREE Ledger subscription?
Help your co- workers stay
safe and informed! NC Labor LEDGER
Click here to subscribe.
Don’t fret!
will return
in the next
issue!
By Steve Sykes
State Plan Coordinator
Fatal Event: On
Sept. 17, 2005, a 26-
year- old diver died when he was inspecting the head gates of
a hydroelectric dam.
Investigative Results: Electric power producing equipment
must be routinely maintained to ensure proper operation at
hydro stations. An underwater service company was inspecting
the head gates that control water flow over the dam turbines
to produce electricity. Although the gates had been replaced
three years earlier, they sometimes failed to seal properly
when closed. The victim was a diver with the service company
and had been employed less than four months. Before beginning
work, hydro station operators told the diver about an open
filler valve, warning that water could be flowing at that point.
An open valve raised the possibility that a diver near the valve
could be sucked into the opening. Later interviews by the labor
department revealed that other dive team members were not
aware of the danger.
Communication with the diver was interrupted during the
dive, and the line tender was told to pull the life line to retrieve
the diver. The rescue was unsuccessful. The dive team decided
not to send a second diver when it learned that the force of the
flowing water could have trapped the first diver in the valve
opening.
Instead, workers lowered the water level to retrieve the first
diver. The team found that the diver’s safety harness had gotten
caught on a protruding bolt. The snagged harness had negated
efforts by the dive team to pull the diver to safety. The diver
had been drawn into a gate valve opening by the tremendous
water pressure, which led to compressional asphyxia.
Discussion: The N. C. Department of Labor regulates certain
commercial diving operations. Although diving activity is
relatively low compared to activity in manufacturing and
construction, the potential for severe injury, illness or death is
high because of the hazards associated with diving operations.
Diving activity can include inspection and repair, emergency
response, and recovery operations. Scientific diving— normally
for research and educational activity— is performed by some
of the state universities and is not generally covered by the
NCDOL standards. Safe diving relies on adequate training
and supervision, properly functioning equipment, effective
rescue resources, and proper work practices.
Recommendations:
Each dive team member should have the experience or
training necessary to perform assigned tasks in a safe
and healthy manner.
The employer must develop and maintain a “ safe
practices” manual.
The planning of diving operations must include, among
other things, an assessment of surface and underwater
conditions and hazards likely to be present at the time of
the dive.
All dive team members must be briefed on any unusual
hazards or environmental conditions likely to affect the
safety of the diving operation.
Scuba diving operations should include a standby diver
when a diver is in the water.
During scuba diving operations, a diver should be line-tended
from the surface or accompanied by another
diver in the water with continuous visual contact during
the diving operation.
4
“ We hope that visitors at Emerald Pointe will take the safety tips seriously,” Berry
said. “ They sound elementary, but you would be surprised at the number of people who
don’t obey the rules. Let’s face it, a kid that holds his hand up in the air while a ride is
in motion stands a greater chance of being thrown from a ride than one who doesn’t.”
Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe is the largest water park in the Carolinas with more than
36 rides and attractions. The park opened Memorial Day weekend and concludes
Labor Day.
“ To create safer parks in North Carolina, we must create greater awareness among
the general public of the importance of rider responsibility,” said Tony Brancazio, general
manager of Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe. “ We hope our partnership with the N. C.
Department of Labor does just that.”
The labor department rider safety campaign also helps ride operators to review state
rules and regulations about what operators must do in the event of an accident.
Operators also must know how to prevent a reoccurrence.
“ We just want all visitors to water parks, permanent amusement parks and county
fairs to be safe,” Brooks said.
NCDOL Focuses on Improved Park Safety
continued from page 1
The N. C. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health
Division found more than 9,000 serious
violations at nearly 5,000 workplaces
in 2005.
The following list shows the 10 most
frequently cited serious violations in
both construction and general industry.
The categories provided below are fol-lowed
by the specific OSHA standard.
Statistics are for the public sector only.
Construction
Daily inspections of excavations were not made by competent
person— 1926.651( k)( 1)
Excavation unprotected from cave- ins by an adequate protective
system such as sloping, benching, shoring or use of trench
box— 1926.652( a)( 1)
Spray finishing— hot surfaces, electrical and other sources of
ignition located in spraying area— 1910.107( c)( 3)
Spray finishing— combustible residues allowed to accumulate
on electrical equipment— 1910.107( c)( 5)
Spray finishing— lamps were not adequately protected, fully
enclosed or separated by partition, where used at spraying
area— 1910.107( c)( 6)
Spray finishing— fan rotating element did not provide
adequate source of ventilation— 1910.107( c)( 7)
Lack of proper personal protective equipment where exposed
to hazard— 1910.132( a)
Lack of hazard assessment for workplace— 1910.132( d)( 1)
Employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition
and avoidance of unsafe conditions to control or eliminate any
hazards or other exposure to illness or injury— 1926.21( b)( 2)
General Industry
Employers shall provide a workplace free from recognized
hazards ( General Duty Clause)— N. C. General Statute 95- 129( 1)
Lack of suitable facility ( i. e., eye wash/ shower) for quick
drenching or flushing where exposed to injurious corrosive
materials— 1910.151( c)
Means of egress not provided— NCAC 7F. 102 Life Safety Code
Lack of hazard assessment for workplace— 1910- 132( d)( 1)
Lack of proper eye and face protective equipment where
exposed to hazard— 1910.133( a)( 1)
Lack of electrical path to ground— 1910.304( f)( 4)
Lack of proper covers and canopies for electrical cabinets—
1910.305( b)( 2)
Missing machine guard— 1910.212( a)( 1)
Hepatitis B vaccine not offered when required—
1910.1030( f)( 2)
Unused openings in electrical boxes or fittings—
1910.303( b)( 2)
Violations were cited Oct. 1, 2004, through Sept. 30, 2005.
Information also will be provided— including number of violations—
on the NCDOLWeb site, www. nclabor. com, under Statistics.
Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe employee Jacob Pinnix
( left) signs his youth employment certificate as state
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry ( center) and
Angel Wyrick, Emerald Pointe office manager,
watch. Jacob used a new online program called
YEC Auto to apply for his certificate.
5
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
One of the largest seasonal employers in the Triad joined the N. C. Department of
Labor in May to kick off a new program aimed at making the youth hiring process easier
for school kids and their employers.
Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe tried out the Labor Department’s new online program—
called YEC Auto— to apply for youth employment certificates this year.
The certificates, or youth work permits, are required for any worker under 18. Wet ’ n
Wild Emerald Pointe annually hires about 600 seasonal workers, many of them
teenagers, and must get youth employment certificates for all of its summer workers.
“ We’re really excited to help the Department of Labor kick off this new program,”
Wet ’ n Wild general manager Tony Brancazio said. “ It will make the youth employment
process a lot simpler for us, youths and their parents.”
Labor officials met with Wet ’ nWild Emerald Pointe teen employees and their parents
to introduce the new program.
In the past, teenagers who were 14 to 17 took a blank job certificate to their local
social services department for approval. Now teens can apply online, print out a copy
of the certificate and give it to their employers. Applications can be approved in minutes.
“ With all of the new technology out there, the old procedure for getting youth
employment certificates was outdated,” state Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said.
“ We’re just trying to make the process a little easier on everyone while still ensuring
the safety and well- being of North Carolina’s young workers.”
The work permits ensure teens are not working in hazardous or detrimental jobs that
are not permitted under the N. C. Wage and Hour Act. Work hours also are restricted for
14- and 15- year- olds.
To get a work permit, go to the NCDOLWeb site, click on “ Youth Work Permits.”
Water Park Helps Kick Off New Program
Have labor- related questions?
www. nclabor. com
1- 800- 625- 2267
56th Annual Wilmington
Safety School
July 26- 27
Wilmington Hilton, Wilmington
www. wilmingtonsafetyschool. com
6
10- Hour General Industry
Workshops
July 18- 19
Southminster Retirement Community, Charlotte
Contact Nancy Culp at nculp@ southminster. org to register
Carolina Star
Safety Conference
Sept. 20- 22
Sheraton Hotel at Four Seasons, Greensboro
www. carolinastar. org
30- Hour General Industry
Workshop
June 12- 16
Cape Fear Community College, Castle Hayne
Register at www. nclabor. com/ calendar. htm
Mine and Quarry Training
June 19 and July 10
Part 46 New/ Experienced Miner Training
Hanson Training Center, Wake Forest
June 20
Part 46 New/ Experienced Miner Training
Statesville
June 21
Part 46 Annual Refresher Training
Statesville
June 26 and July 17
Part 46 Annual Refresher Training
Hanson Training Center, Wake Forest
Contact our Mine and Quarry Bureau at ( 919)
807- 2790 for more information.
Need FREE safety and health advice
at your facility?
Our Consultative Services Bureau offers free on- site visits*
to your worksite. Hazards will be identified to make your
workplace safer. Services we offer include:
Safety and health surveys Program assessment
Air sampling and analysis Ergonomics evaluations
Technical assistance
To take advantage of this FREE service of NCDOL, visit our Web site at
www. nclabor. com/ osha/ consult/ consult. htm or call us at 1- 800- NC- LABOR ( 625- 2267).
* Consultative visits are confidential.

Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.

By Dolores Quesenberry
Director of Marketing
With summer approaching and fair
season just around the corner, labor
inspectors with the Elevator and
Amusement Device Bureau are gearing
up for another busy season inspecting
rides at amusement and permanent
parks throughout North Carolina.
Although the labor department is
responsible for regulating only the
mechanical safety of rides, it also
focuses on one of the biggest causes
of park injuries— human error.
“ We can’t turn our heads and
ignore the problem of human error
simply because we are not responsible
for regulating patrons and operators,”
said Jonathan Brooks, bureau chief
for the Elevator and Amusement
Device Bureau. “ That’s not how we
operate.”
Labor officials kicked off a rider
safety program in 2004 that focused
on ride operators and patrons after a Banzai ride operator was
killed when he accidentally walked into the path of one of its
swinging pendulums.
“ Our rider safety program was created to raise awareness
about some common mistakes we’ve observed over the years
that patrons and ride operators make while visiting local
fairs,” Brooks said. “ A lot of the accidents involve kids, so we
are trying to educate their parents too.”
Little research about human error has been conducted in the
amusement ride industry. However, industry experts say the
rate of incidence because of driver or operator error is as high
as the automobile and aviation industries, where 80 percent of
accidents are related to driver or operator behavior.
Two researchers in Canada recently
published a two- part study focusing
on human error in the amusement ride
industry. The study, called “ Rider
Responsibility and Amusement Ride
Accidents: An Observational and
Consensus Study of Rider
Behaviours,” was conducted by Dr.
Kathryn Woodcock and Janet Tsao,
researchers from the School of
Occupational and Public Health at
Ryerson University in Canada.
The study found that parents play a
big role in child safety at amusement
parks. The study suggests that parents
should set and enforce consequences,
regardless of whether the park or car-nival
enforces its own rules, to ensure
that children know unsafe behavior
around thrill rides is not tolerated.
Because of liability and other
concerns, some states are turning the
focus to rider responsibility. Ohio, for
example, has implemented a Rider
Responsibility Law. Proponents
believe the law serves as a deterrent to dangerous horseplay
by patrons, the major cause of amusement ride accidents. In
the last four years, officials have determined that more than 80
percent of amusement ride injuries in Ohio have been caused
by human error or horseplay unrelated to the condition or
operation of the ride.
Labor officials are expanding the rider safety program in
North Carolina this summer to include permanent parks.
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry will kick off a safety day
on June 10 at Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro.
Water park safety tips will be handed out to more than 3,000
Girl Scouts. Safety tips also will be distributed at toll plazas to
each car or bus entering the water park.
NC Labor
NCDOL Focuses on Improved Park Safety
Ride Safety Initiative Expands to Permanent Parks
LEDGER May/ June 2006
Do not try dangerous stunts.
No running or horseplay around pool area.
Never stand up in a tube.
Listen to lifeguards and ride operators.
Be sure you are in a safe position before
starting down any slide.
Be aware of safety signs and pay attention
to height requirements.
Use swim diapers or rubber pants for
diaper- age children.
Shower before using any water facilities.
Do not use public pools and water parks if
you have been sick within two weeks.
Parents, remember that you are responsible
for your child’s supervision.
Water Wise Safety Tips
continued on page 4
Recent partnerships between the N. C. Department of Labor and
private construction companies have led to unprecedented safety
levels at major construction sites throughout the state.
Agreements signed by the labor department and major companies
have allowed government and company officials to work together to
eliminate accidents at these large construction sites.
Starting with the Raleigh Convention Center agreement in 2005,
the labor department has since seen a surge in interest expressed by
other companies that want to participate in the safety agreements.
Inside this edition:
Heat Stress Deaths Concern Labor Officials page 3
Deadly Mistakes page 4
Water Park Helps Kick Off New Program page 5
Top 10 Violations page 5
NCDOL Bulletin Board page 6
2
From
Commissioner
Cherie Berry
Cherie Berry
Commissioner
Editor .......................................... Heather Crews
Layout and Design ............................ Jeff Wilson
Publications Bureau Chief ............ Mike Daniels
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699- 1101
1- 800- 625- 2267 • www. nclabor. com
Gaining Ground in North Carolina
You’ve read in previous NC Labor Ledger issues about
the N. C. Department of Labor forging safety and health
partnerships with construction contractors as they build
major projects.
Skanska/ Barnhill Contracting signed the first ever agreement
after it won the contract to build the Raleigh Convention
Center. Whiting- Turner Contracting Co. also formed a part-nership
with the labor department when it built the new Dell
Inc. computer manufacturing center in Forsyth County.
In May, we signed two more safety and health partnerships
with two construction companies. Verna and Associates Inc.
is building a multi- story condominium complex in downtown
Charlotte, and Crowder Construction Co. is building an
addition to a sewer treatment plant in Wilmington. Both
projects will employ hundreds of workers.
The goal of the partnerships is to reduce injury and illness
rates, with each member of the partnership doing its part to
accomplish the goal. The labor department provides free
training, reviews safety programs and conducts quarterly
inspections. The companies develop strong safety and health
programs, do frequent job site inspections, and promptly
respond to hazards. Subcontractors working on the sites are
also a part of the agreement.
The partnerships underscore that these construction
companies are going above and beyond the regulatory require-ments
to ensure the safety and health of their employees. The
partnerships provide one of the best examples of business and
government working together, and the results have been great.
Despite the massive scope of the projects, we have not
had one lost workday to injury. That level of work safety for
projects of that size is unheard of.
We look forward to forming more partnerships with other
businesses in the future.
Otis Crowder ( left) and Dane Horrell ( right) of Crowder Construction Co. stand
with state Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry at a May 23 ceremony to celebrate the
formal signing of a partnership between the construction company and the N. C.
Department of Labor. Crowder Construction will employ about 200 workers as it
builds an addition to a sewer treatment plant in Wilmington.
Verna and Associates Inc. presi-dent
Pete Verna ( left), Charlotte
Mayor Pat McCrory, and Labor
Commissioner Cherie Berry
shovel ceremonial dirt at the
official groundbreaking ceremony
of The Park Condominiums in
downtown Charlotte. The N. C.
Department of Labor and Verna
and Associates signed a safety
and health partnership for the
duration of the project to help
reduce injuries at the site.
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
At least 10 workers have died in the last five years from
heat stress in North Carolina, including four last year.
The statistics concern officials from the N. C. Department
of Labor, and as the summer heat approaches, the department
is urging employers to take extra precautions to make sure
their workers are protected.
“ Workers who are out in the
heat and sun face the constant
danger of heat stress during
our summer months,” said
Regina Luginbuhl, bureau
chief of the NCDOL
Agricultural Safety and
Health Bureau. “ Knowing
the duress signs can save a
worker’s life.”
Farm workers are the first
who come to mind when there is talk
about the dangers of hot summer work, but
construction workers and manufacturing
workers are also at risk. Indeed, three con-struction
workers died in the past five years
after working in hot temperatures. Medical
records indicate they probably died from
heat stress.
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
are the most serious disorders associated with heat stress
and can be deadly if not treated properly. The following
information will help you identify heat- related illnesses:
Heat cramps are painful— sometimes severe— cramps of
the muscles while working. They usually occur in the arms,
legs or stomach, and often occur after work is completed
and the employee is relaxing at home.
Symptoms: Cramps and normal to slightly higher body
temperature, hot and moist skin, and profuse sweating.
Treatment: Move to a shaded area, drink lightly salted liquids,
and wear loose clothing. Seek medical attention if the
condition does not improve.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s heat- control
mechanism is overactive but has not broken down
completely.
Symptoms: Heavy sweating; intense thirst; cool, moist
skin; weak and rapid pulse; low to normal blood pressure;
fatigue, weakness or loss of coordination; impaired judgment
or fainting; tingling in hands or feet; headache; loss of
appetite, nausea or vomiting.
Treatment: Move to the shade, and remove or loosen
shoes and clothing. Cool the victim as fast as possible, pouring
water on the victim if necessary. Elevate the victim’s legs
and massage limbs. Drink water with salt. Call medical
personnel.
Heat stroke occurs when the body depletes its salt and
water supply, sweating stops and
heat loss by evaporation of sweat
is blocked. Heat stroke is life
threatening and has a high death
rate.
Symptoms: High body temperature,
usually over 103 degrees Fahrenheit;
absence of sweating; hot, red or flushed dry
skin; strong and rapid pulse that may become
weak and rapid as the worker’s condition worsens;
rapid and deep breathing followed by shallow
breathing; rapid unconsciousness and convulsions.
Treatment: Immediate medical attention is necessary.
While waiting for medical personnel, move the worker to
a cool area and remove as much clothing as possible.
Lower the body temperature with a cool bath or cold
compresses if a bath is not available. Do not give liquids to
unconscious victims.
Heat Stress Prevention Tips
Know symptoms of heat- related illnesses; monitor
yourself and co- workers.
Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
Use cooling fans or air- conditioning, and rest regularly.
Drink lots of water, about 1 cup every 15 minutes.
Wear lightweight, light colored, loose- fitting clothes.
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks or heavy meals.
A poster detailing the signs of heat stress— and what to do
if a worker shows signs of a heat- related illnesses— is located
on the NCDOL Web site, www. nclabor. com, under
Publications.
3
Heat Stress Deaths Concern Labor Officials
Know someone who would enjoy
a FREE Ledger subscription?
Help your co- workers stay
safe and informed! NC Labor LEDGER
Click here to subscribe.
Don’t fret!
will return
in the next
issue!
By Steve Sykes
State Plan Coordinator
Fatal Event: On
Sept. 17, 2005, a 26-
year- old diver died when he was inspecting the head gates of
a hydroelectric dam.
Investigative Results: Electric power producing equipment
must be routinely maintained to ensure proper operation at
hydro stations. An underwater service company was inspecting
the head gates that control water flow over the dam turbines
to produce electricity. Although the gates had been replaced
three years earlier, they sometimes failed to seal properly
when closed. The victim was a diver with the service company
and had been employed less than four months. Before beginning
work, hydro station operators told the diver about an open
filler valve, warning that water could be flowing at that point.
An open valve raised the possibility that a diver near the valve
could be sucked into the opening. Later interviews by the labor
department revealed that other dive team members were not
aware of the danger.
Communication with the diver was interrupted during the
dive, and the line tender was told to pull the life line to retrieve
the diver. The rescue was unsuccessful. The dive team decided
not to send a second diver when it learned that the force of the
flowing water could have trapped the first diver in the valve
opening.
Instead, workers lowered the water level to retrieve the first
diver. The team found that the diver’s safety harness had gotten
caught on a protruding bolt. The snagged harness had negated
efforts by the dive team to pull the diver to safety. The diver
had been drawn into a gate valve opening by the tremendous
water pressure, which led to compressional asphyxia.
Discussion: The N. C. Department of Labor regulates certain
commercial diving operations. Although diving activity is
relatively low compared to activity in manufacturing and
construction, the potential for severe injury, illness or death is
high because of the hazards associated with diving operations.
Diving activity can include inspection and repair, emergency
response, and recovery operations. Scientific diving— normally
for research and educational activity— is performed by some
of the state universities and is not generally covered by the
NCDOL standards. Safe diving relies on adequate training
and supervision, properly functioning equipment, effective
rescue resources, and proper work practices.
Recommendations:
Each dive team member should have the experience or
training necessary to perform assigned tasks in a safe
and healthy manner.
The employer must develop and maintain a “ safe
practices” manual.
The planning of diving operations must include, among
other things, an assessment of surface and underwater
conditions and hazards likely to be present at the time of
the dive.
All dive team members must be briefed on any unusual
hazards or environmental conditions likely to affect the
safety of the diving operation.
Scuba diving operations should include a standby diver
when a diver is in the water.
During scuba diving operations, a diver should be line-tended
from the surface or accompanied by another
diver in the water with continuous visual contact during
the diving operation.
4
“ We hope that visitors at Emerald Pointe will take the safety tips seriously,” Berry
said. “ They sound elementary, but you would be surprised at the number of people who
don’t obey the rules. Let’s face it, a kid that holds his hand up in the air while a ride is
in motion stands a greater chance of being thrown from a ride than one who doesn’t.”
Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe is the largest water park in the Carolinas with more than
36 rides and attractions. The park opened Memorial Day weekend and concludes
Labor Day.
“ To create safer parks in North Carolina, we must create greater awareness among
the general public of the importance of rider responsibility,” said Tony Brancazio, general
manager of Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe. “ We hope our partnership with the N. C.
Department of Labor does just that.”
The labor department rider safety campaign also helps ride operators to review state
rules and regulations about what operators must do in the event of an accident.
Operators also must know how to prevent a reoccurrence.
“ We just want all visitors to water parks, permanent amusement parks and county
fairs to be safe,” Brooks said.
NCDOL Focuses on Improved Park Safety
continued from page 1
The N. C. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health
Division found more than 9,000 serious
violations at nearly 5,000 workplaces
in 2005.
The following list shows the 10 most
frequently cited serious violations in
both construction and general industry.
The categories provided below are fol-lowed
by the specific OSHA standard.
Statistics are for the public sector only.
Construction
Daily inspections of excavations were not made by competent
person— 1926.651( k)( 1)
Excavation unprotected from cave- ins by an adequate protective
system such as sloping, benching, shoring or use of trench
box— 1926.652( a)( 1)
Spray finishing— hot surfaces, electrical and other sources of
ignition located in spraying area— 1910.107( c)( 3)
Spray finishing— combustible residues allowed to accumulate
on electrical equipment— 1910.107( c)( 5)
Spray finishing— lamps were not adequately protected, fully
enclosed or separated by partition, where used at spraying
area— 1910.107( c)( 6)
Spray finishing— fan rotating element did not provide
adequate source of ventilation— 1910.107( c)( 7)
Lack of proper personal protective equipment where exposed
to hazard— 1910.132( a)
Lack of hazard assessment for workplace— 1910.132( d)( 1)
Employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition
and avoidance of unsafe conditions to control or eliminate any
hazards or other exposure to illness or injury— 1926.21( b)( 2)
General Industry
Employers shall provide a workplace free from recognized
hazards ( General Duty Clause)— N. C. General Statute 95- 129( 1)
Lack of suitable facility ( i. e., eye wash/ shower) for quick
drenching or flushing where exposed to injurious corrosive
materials— 1910.151( c)
Means of egress not provided— NCAC 7F. 102 Life Safety Code
Lack of hazard assessment for workplace— 1910- 132( d)( 1)
Lack of proper eye and face protective equipment where
exposed to hazard— 1910.133( a)( 1)
Lack of electrical path to ground— 1910.304( f)( 4)
Lack of proper covers and canopies for electrical cabinets—
1910.305( b)( 2)
Missing machine guard— 1910.212( a)( 1)
Hepatitis B vaccine not offered when required—
1910.1030( f)( 2)
Unused openings in electrical boxes or fittings—
1910.303( b)( 2)
Violations were cited Oct. 1, 2004, through Sept. 30, 2005.
Information also will be provided— including number of violations—
on the NCDOLWeb site, www. nclabor. com, under Statistics.
Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe employee Jacob Pinnix
( left) signs his youth employment certificate as state
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry ( center) and
Angel Wyrick, Emerald Pointe office manager,
watch. Jacob used a new online program called
YEC Auto to apply for his certificate.
5
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
One of the largest seasonal employers in the Triad joined the N. C. Department of
Labor in May to kick off a new program aimed at making the youth hiring process easier
for school kids and their employers.
Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe tried out the Labor Department’s new online program—
called YEC Auto— to apply for youth employment certificates this year.
The certificates, or youth work permits, are required for any worker under 18. Wet ’ n
Wild Emerald Pointe annually hires about 600 seasonal workers, many of them
teenagers, and must get youth employment certificates for all of its summer workers.
“ We’re really excited to help the Department of Labor kick off this new program,”
Wet ’ n Wild general manager Tony Brancazio said. “ It will make the youth employment
process a lot simpler for us, youths and their parents.”
Labor officials met with Wet ’ nWild Emerald Pointe teen employees and their parents
to introduce the new program.
In the past, teenagers who were 14 to 17 took a blank job certificate to their local
social services department for approval. Now teens can apply online, print out a copy
of the certificate and give it to their employers. Applications can be approved in minutes.
“ With all of the new technology out there, the old procedure for getting youth
employment certificates was outdated,” state Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said.
“ We’re just trying to make the process a little easier on everyone while still ensuring
the safety and well- being of North Carolina’s young workers.”
The work permits ensure teens are not working in hazardous or detrimental jobs that
are not permitted under the N. C. Wage and Hour Act. Work hours also are restricted for
14- and 15- year- olds.
To get a work permit, go to the NCDOLWeb site, click on “ Youth Work Permits.”
Water Park Helps Kick Off New Program
Have labor- related questions?
www. nclabor. com
1- 800- 625- 2267
56th Annual Wilmington
Safety School
July 26- 27
Wilmington Hilton, Wilmington
www. wilmingtonsafetyschool. com
6
10- Hour General Industry
Workshops
July 18- 19
Southminster Retirement Community, Charlotte
Contact Nancy Culp at nculp@ southminster. org to register
Carolina Star
Safety Conference
Sept. 20- 22
Sheraton Hotel at Four Seasons, Greensboro
www. carolinastar. org
30- Hour General Industry
Workshop
June 12- 16
Cape Fear Community College, Castle Hayne
Register at www. nclabor. com/ calendar. htm
Mine and Quarry Training
June 19 and July 10
Part 46 New/ Experienced Miner Training
Hanson Training Center, Wake Forest
June 20
Part 46 New/ Experienced Miner Training
Statesville
June 21
Part 46 Annual Refresher Training
Statesville
June 26 and July 17
Part 46 Annual Refresher Training
Hanson Training Center, Wake Forest
Contact our Mine and Quarry Bureau at ( 919)
807- 2790 for more information.
Need FREE safety and health advice
at your facility?
Our Consultative Services Bureau offers free on- site visits*
to your worksite. Hazards will be identified to make your
workplace safer. Services we offer include:
Safety and health surveys Program assessment
Air sampling and analysis Ergonomics evaluations
Technical assistance
To take advantage of this FREE service of NCDOL, visit our Web site at
www. nclabor. com/ osha/ consult/ consult. htm or call us at 1- 800- NC- LABOR ( 625- 2267).
* Consultative visits are confidential.